Mercedes-Benz 560SL
11 MPG The 1992 Mercedes-Benz 560SL is EPA-rated at 11 MPG combined (10 city / 13 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1364 gallons, $4364 a year in fuel, or $0.291 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–1992 run it averages 13.4 MPG, falling by 3 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.227 | $2273 | $3409 | $4545 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.273 | $2727 | $4091 | $5455 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.291 | $2909 | $4364 | $5818 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.318 | $3182 | $4773 | $6364 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.364 | $3636 | $5455 | $7273 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.409 | $4091 | $6136 | $8182 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.455 | $4545 | $6818 | $9091 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 11 MPG | 10 | 13 | $7000 | 808 | 1 |
| 1989 | 14 MPG | 12 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 1988 | 14 MPG | 12 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 1987 | 14 MPG | 12 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 1986 | 14 MPG | 12 | 16 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 two seaters models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz 560SL ranks 98 on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ferrari 348 TB/TS (13), Ferrari F430 (13), Mercedes-Benz SLR (13), Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Aero (14), Dodge Viper (14).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 808 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 12.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz 560SL get?
The 1992 Mercedes-Benz 560SL is rated at 11 MPG combined by the EPA — 10 city and 13 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 13.4 MPG, ranging from 11 to 14 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz 560SL cost in fuel per year?
At 11 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1364 gallons — roughly $4364 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.291 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1992 model is $7000.
Has the Mercedes-Benz 560SL become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 14 MPG in 1986 to 11 in 1992. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Mercedes-Benz 560SL efficient for its class?
It ranks 98 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG. That is 10.5 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.